Our top picks (help me buy headphones!)

[Marcus]

Never tried the Mixamp, I just know the 242Hd can sound a bit meh from underpowered sources.

[Kate137]

I'd go the Shure SE535 or Earsonics SM3
I like the SM3 sound a little more than the SE535 sound, but I find the 535 easier to fit.
There's also the new Sennheiser IE80 that might be worth considering

I've been reading about the Earsonics SM3, as I hadn't really considered them, and while a lot of people are raving about the sound there seems to be some talk of poor durability and plastic housing. There seems to be talk of a later version that fixes these problems. Is there any truth to this or have you had any problems with them? Also how awkward are the fit issues?

Thanks
Kathryn

[Marcus]

We have the current SM3 version, durability hasn't been a huge issue with them so far.
Fit will vary from person to person, unfortunately it's going to depend on your ear size and shape and whether the SM3 fits well

[theeyealtering]

Would prefer to buy a more efficient headphone if these will not sound as great coming out of my Mixamp.

I Googled Mixamp and ended up here: http://www.astrogaming.com/mixamp-usb

Under specs it says "Power Output:70mW 32ohm per channel"

Definitely not what is considered extra power.

[xpl0sive]

lol, thanks mate, so I guess that rules out the AKG's then. Do AD900's require an amp? Also, does anyone know where I can listen to AD700/900's in Melbourne? Curious to hear what these sound like given that everybody loves them so much.

[Benno1988]

Do AD900's require an amp?

Yes, every headphone does. Does it require anything more than you have, no. They will run awesomely out of a iPhone if need be.

Anywhere in Melbourne?

Yes, AddictedToAudio is a melbourne based store that stocks Audio Technica. I'd start there

[GougMan]

Have a listen to the Shure SRH1440s as well if you can. They sound really good and definitely don't need an amp.

[MTinOz]

Hi all,

My beloved RE0s have succumbed to the "glue issue". They're well out of warranty so I have patched them back together but need to look at replacing them.

- Used almost exclusively for medical transcription work, ie spoken word. Doctors often dictate their letters about as clearly as they handwrite them so clarity is important so I can clearly hear them sniffle, cough, chew gum and rustle paperwork and x-rays. Oh, and their kid's violin practice, the ringing phone on their desk, the beeping machines in the operating theatre or ICU and/or the group of colleagues noisily discussing their weekend 2 feet away.
- Used via my PC's sound card. They live on my desk so portability not an issue.
- Sound isolation/closed a must both for patient privacy and isolation from external noise.
- Prefer canalphones for comfort. I can work 10+ hours a day at times so hot ears can become an issue as are my specs. I also have a small head which to date has seemed to be an issue with headband fit. Also covers the sound isolation issue.
- Budget ideally $100-$150 though could stretch to $200.

I'm not sure if I should stick with what I know, get another pair of RE0s and risk the possibility of recurrence of the glue issue down the track or look at getting something else, eg Brainwavz M3s or B2s or maybe the etymotic hf5s??

Thanks for any insight anyone can offer.

Anne

[xpl0sive]

Do AD900's require an amp?

Yes, every headphone does. Does it require anything more than you have, no. They will run awesomely out of a iPhone if need be.

Anywhere in Melbourne?

Yes, AddictedToAudio is a melbourne based store that stocks Audio Technica. I'd start there

Have a listen to the Shure SRH1440s as well if you can. They sound really good and definitely don't need an amp.

Thanks guys, will pop down to addicted to audio and have a listen. The shures are quite expensive so I'm not sure if I'd go for them, although they do sound promising based on headphonics review.

[Marcus]

Hi all,

My beloved RE0s have succumbed to the "glue issue". They're well out of warranty so I have patched them back together but need to look at replacing them.

- Used almost exclusively for medical transcription work, ie spoken word. Doctors often dictate their letters about as clearly as they handwrite them so clarity is important so I can clearly hear them sniffle, cough, chew gum and rustle paperwork and x-rays. Oh, and their kid's violin practice, the ringing phone on their desk, the beeping machines in the operating theatre or ICU and/or the group of colleagues noisily discussing their weekend 2 feet away.
- Used via my PC's sound card. They live on my desk so portability not an issue.
- Sound isolation/closed a must both for patient privacy and isolation from external noise.
- Prefer canalphones for comfort. I can work 10+ hours a day at times so hot ears can become an issue as are my specs. I also have a small head which to date has seemed to be an issue with headband fit. Also covers the sound isolation issue.
- Budget ideally $100-$150 though could stretch to $200.

I'm not sure if I should stick with what I know, get another pair of RE0s and risk the possibility of recurrence of the glue issue down the track or look at getting something else, eg Brainwavz M3s or B2s or maybe the etymotic hf5s??

Thanks for any insight anyone can offer.

Anne

The B2 are probably worth getting - very comfy, very detailed, easy to fit etc. Isolation levels offered are good, not as high as Etymotic models but Etys are generally not quite as comfy

[Riverback]

Question is, when are the fabled ones coming back?

[namaiki]

Considering upgrading from my DT250-80s to DT250-250s. From what I have read, I get the impression that doing this will reduce bass a bit (not that I think that the bass is overpowering in the DT250-80s) and treble will be less rolled off? Any truth in that?

If not that, then I am still considering the Beyer T70 or T70p (not sure about sound differences between the T70 and T70p), or possibly the Audio Technica ATH-W1000X.

I'm looking for low fatigue, closed, all-rounder headphones that have a detailed sound with reasonably solid low-end. I know that there is the 20 day trial period, but I'd prefer to cause as little trouble as possible in terms of swapping equipment after I have purchased it.

[Benno1988]

Moving from the DT250 80ohm to 250ohm isn't an upgrade at all. You probably won't even notice a difference. I wouldn't do it.

W1000x might suit you more than the T70 if you're sensitive to bright headphones. T70 isn't too bad, i don't find it bright, but its been described as being potentiall fatigueing.

[Drubbing]

Considering upgrading from my DT250-80s to DT250-250s. From what I have read, I get the impression that doing this will reduce bass a bit (not that I think that the bass is overpowering in the DT250-80s) and treble will be less rolled off? Any truth in that?
.

None. it'll just cost you more you more $ for a more powerful amp to run them (if you don't already have one) and they'll sound the same.

[theeyealtering]

T70 isn't too bad, i don't find it bright, but its been described as being potentiall fatigueing.

I'd agree that the T70 is more fatiguing than the DT250. But that's the price you pay for more slam. And if you do get tired of them during a long session, you can always just swap back to the good old DT250.